There are a number of variables that contribute to your total cost for car insurance. Your driving history and record are among the most influential factors. People don’t fully appreciate the huge impact that speeding tickets can have on your car insurance rates. Studies reveal that speeding is the primary factor in almost 35% of auto accidents. So, the slower we drive the lower our risk is of being in an accident and the less money insurance companies want in order to cover you as a driver. Research also shows that the majority of speeders slow down temporarily after receiving a speeding ticket. One study tracked speeders for a month after receiving speeding tickets. The subjects reduced their chances of a fatal accident to less than 35%, but the speeders did not continue these safer driving habits for longer than a few months.
This study just stated clearly that an individual who religiously follow traffic rules will have a higher percentage, more than 50% safe from experiencing car accidents compared to those who are always driving fast. Speeders should become aware that because of this reason, the mandated insurance made by the law enforcement office is heavy on them. One factor that will further testify to this is the increased rates imposed to the speeders especially for those who have a bad speeding record. Below are the factors that would help you think about the cost of insurance for having speeding tickets:
1.Having one ticket for speeding doesn’t affect yet your insurance rate, unless if you are reported to drive awfully fast over 15 miles above the legal speed limit as imposed by the law.
2.Your past driving record will also determine the rate of your insurance because even one ticket of speed driving will influence the increase of your insurance dues for at least 27%.
3) One point is added to your record for every speeding ticket (more for those citations also considered reckless driving). When you have an accumulation of these points over a three-year period, your auto insurance rates can increase by about one thousand dollars.
4) If you have points on your record you will not likely find any benefit in switching insurance carriers to find a better deal. It is better to continue with the company that you have already developed a relationship with and work out a deal if you have a long-term history with them.
But it is also good if you find a chance to fight for your speeding tickets. Though there is only a small chance that you could be saved from being issued a speeding ticket, but you can try on the technicality issues. So, there’s no need for you to hire an attorney to help you. All you need to have is a little knowledge and never accept your fault.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za, a leading South African car insurance portal.